City Of Richland Opens 2026 Park Partnership Grant Program Applications - 01/22/26

The City of Richland Parks and Public Facilities Department is now accepting applications for its 2026 Park Partnership Program, offering up to $40,000 in matching grant funds from the Park Reserve Fund to support community-driven improvements to City parks, trails, open space, and recreational facilities.

The Park Partnership Program is designed to support projects that:

• Improve or expand park and recreational opportunities for the general public
• Encourage private investment and community participation in developing park amenities
• Enhance quality of life for Richland residents

Eligible applicants may include community groups, nonprofit organizations, and other partners interested in working collaboratively with the City to enhance public recreational spaces.

Important 2026 Application Dates

• Application Window: January 21 – March 2, 2026
• Application Deadline: March 2, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
  (Deadline includes completion of the application interview with Parks & Public Facilities staff.)
• Mandatory Oral Presentation to the Parks & Recreation Commission:  April 9, 2026

More information regarding the program, including a link to the application can be found at www.richlandparksandrec.com/ParkPartnership.

Important Program Notice

Beginning in 2027, the Park Partnership Program will transition to one annual application cycle, held in the fall, with grants awarded the following spring.

2026 will be the only year with two separate application periods. A second application window will open in fall 2026 as part of this transition.

Applicants are encouraged to plan accordingly and take advantage of this year’s unique opportunity to apply during either cycle.

Additional details, including eligibility requirements, application materials, and submission instructions, are available on www.richlandparksandrec.com/ParkPartnership.

City Of Richland City Council Advances Candidates For Position No. 4 Interviews - 01/21/26

The Richland City Council has completed its review of applications submitted to fill the vacant City Council Position No. 4 and has selected five candidates to advance to the interview stage of the appointment process.

The following candidates were selected for interviews:

• Britt Creer
• Samantha Mason
• Kyle Palmer
• Andrew Rice
• Todd Samuel

Interviews will be conducted during a special City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, prior to the regularly scheduled City Council workshop. The interviews will be open to the public but will not be broadcast. Two candidates will participate remotely due to being out of state.

Following the interviews, the City Council will deliberate in a closed executive session as allowed by RCW 42.30.110(h) and make a selection in accordance with the Richland City Charter. Should the Council desire to take final action to appoint a candidate as authorized by the City Charter, that action will occur immediately following the executive session. The regular City Council workshop will follow and will be broadcast as normal.

The newly appointed councilmember will be sworn in at the regular City Council meeting on February 3, 2026.

The individual appointed to City Council Position No. 4 will serve until the candidate elected in the November 3, 2026, General Election takes office.

Additional details, including the meeting agenda and interview schedule, will be posted on the City of Richland website at richlandwa.gov/agendas.

City Of Richland Announces Applicants For Vacant City Council Position - 01/16/26

The City of Richland has received 24 applications from the following individuals seeking appointment to fill the vacant City Council Position No. 4:

Chrystyanna VanDyke

Leisa Moore

Andrew Rice

Todd Samuel

Anna Tadlock

Kyle Palmer

Britton Creer

Colleen Lane

Michael Shane Thorson

Anthony Sharpe

Heidi Mortensen

Kyle Saltz

Ragan Faylor

Pete Rogalsky

Nathaniel C. Davis

Devin Sutherland

Nathan Miller

Roy Keck

Samantha Mason

Kurt Schweiger

Mary Lipton

Eileen Harbertson

Edward Munoz

Colin Michael

More information on each applicant can be found at richlandwa.gov/bccvacancies.

The application period closed on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

The Richland City Council will review all applications during an executive session following the City Council meeting on January 20, 2026, at which time they will determine which candidates will advance to the interview portion of the process.

In-person interviews will be conducted during a special meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, held prior to the regularly scheduled City Council workshop. The interviews will be open to the public but will not be broadcast. Following the interviews, the City Council will deliberate in a closed executive session as allowed by RCW 42.30.110(h). Should Council desire to take final action to appoint a candidate as authorized by the Richland City Charter, that action will occur immediately following the executive session. The regular City Council workshop will follow and will be broadcast as normal.

The candidate appointed to City Council Position No. 4 will be sworn in at the regular City Council meeting on February 3, 2026.

Per the Richland City Charter, the individual appointed will serve until the candidate elected in the November 3, 2026, General Election takes office.

Additional details, including meeting agendas and times, will be posted on the City’s website at www.richlandwa.gov/agendas.

For more information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 509-942-7389.

City Of Richland Facilities Closed January 19 For All-Staff Training - 01/13/26

City of Richland offices and facilities will be closed to the public all day on Monday, January 19, 2026, for an all-staff training day. This closure includes Richland City Hall, the Richland Community Center, the Richland Public Library, and the City Shops.

The Horn Rapids Landfill will remain open during normal operating hours, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Essential services will continue, including police, fire, and trash collection.

The City of Richland appreciates the community’s understanding as employees participate in this important training to better serve our residents. Normal office hours will resume on Tuesday, January 20^th.

For more information, visit www.richlandwa.gov or call 509-942-7390.

PR: Richland City Council Swears In Three Councilmembers, Selects Mayor And Mayor Pro Tem - 01/06/26

The Richland City Council officially welcomed three councilmembers during its meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, with the swearing-in of Pat Holten (Position 3), Kurt Maier (Position 6), and Ryan Whitten (Position 7).

Pat Holten was recently elected to serve in Position 3, bringing decades of experience in education, community service, and civic involvement to the Council. Kurt Maier and Ryan Whitten were both re-elected to their respective positions, continuing their service and leadership on behalf of the Richland community.

In addition to the swearing-in ceremony, the City Council selected Theresa Richardson to serve as Mayor and Shayne VanDyke to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for 2026.

Council Position 4 remains vacant, with the City of Richland currently accepting applications from qualified residents interested in serving on the City Council. Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m., January 16, 2026.

Per the Richland City Charter, the individual appointed to fill the vacancy will serve until the candidate elected in the November 3, 2026, General Election takes office. Eligibility requirements and application materials are available at richlandwa.gov/bccvacancies.

For more information about the City Council vacancy or the application process, please visit richlandwa.gov or contact the City Clerk’s Office at 509-942-7390.

Southeast Communications Center To Launch A.I. Support For Non-Emergency Calls - 01/06/26

The Southeast Communications Center (SECOMM) will soon launch a new artificial intelligence (A.I.) tool to assist with non-emergency calls, helping ensure emergency lines remain available for urgent, life-threatening situations while improving service for non-emergency callers.

The new system, called Aurelian, will not be used for 911 calls. All emergency calls will continue to be answered and managed directly by trained Emergency Communications Dispatchers.

Residents should continue to call 509-628-0333 for non-emergency requests.

Instead, Aurelian will assist with common non-emergency calls such as general questions, reporting a crime that is no longer in progress, minor traffic concerns, and other calls that do not require an immediate emergency response. The technology gathers initial information, helps route calls appropriately, and provides summaries that are reviewed by SECOMM staff.

“Our priority has always been public safety,” says Jay Atwood, Executive Director of Benton County Emergency Services. “This technology allows our Emergency Communications Dispatchers to stay focused on emergency calls, while still ensuring non-emergency callers receive timely, accurate assistance.”

Supporting Emergency Communications Dispatchers — Not Replacing Them

The A.I. system is designed to support dispatchers, not replace them. Emergency Communications Dispatchers remain fully responsible for decision-making, response coordination, and emergency handling. If a non-emergency call is identified as urgent or complex at any point, it is immediately transferred to a dispatcher.

Calls for police, fire, or medical emergencies will always receive priority attention from trained professionals.

Improving Efficiency and Access

Call volumes continue to increase each year, particularly during major incidents or community emergencies. Non-emergency calls during these times can contribute to longer wait times for those needing immediate help.

By using A.I. to assist with non-emergency call triage, Southeast Communications aims to:

• Reduce wait times for callers
• Keep emergency lines open for critical situations
• Improve overall response efficiency
• Support dispatcher workload and well-being

The system can communicate in English, Spanish, and up to 14 additional languages, improving accessibility for a broader range of callers. On average, similar agencies using this technology report saving dispatchers approximately three hours per day, with about 74% of non-emergency calls handled through automation.

Commitment to Safety and Transparency

Anticipated to kick-off on January 13, 2026, the A.I. system will be closely monitored following launch, with SECOMM leadership overseeing performance and outcomes. Caller privacy remains protected, and the technology does not replace human review or professional judgment.

More information about this new capability, including how and when it will be implemented, will be shared as the launch approaches. Visit www.bces.wa.gov/non-emergency for a list of FAQ’s and additional information.

Applications Being Accepted For Vacancy On Richland City Council - 01/06/26

PLEASE NOTE THE UPDATED TERM OF SERVICE HIGHLIGHTED BELOW:

The Richland City Council is accepting applications from qualified residents interested in serving on the City Council to fill a vacancy in Position No. 4.

The individual appointed by Council will serve until the candidate elected in the November 3, 2026, General Election takes office.

The appointment and service of councilmembers is governed by the Richland City Charter.

Eligibility Requirements, 

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a registered voter
• Have resided within the City of Richland for at least two continuous years prior to appointment
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Not hold any other public office (with the exception of service in the National Guard, organized reserves, or as a Notary Public)
• Not be employed by the City of Richland

Council Meetings

The Richland City Council meets regularly on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at Richland City Hall, 625 Swift Boulevard. Council workshops are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. All meetings are televised.

Application Process

Interested individuals must submit a completed application and resume through the City’s website no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 16, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications are available on the City’s website under richlandwa.gov/bccvacancies. Interviews will be scheduled following review of submitted materials.

For more information, visit richlandwa.gov or contact the City Clerk’s Office at 509-942-7389.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The City of Richland does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status.

Cocoa & Crafts With First Responders Returns To Richland Public Library (Photo) - 01/05/26

Columbia Point Marina Shoreline Retaining Wall Repair Project Begins (Photo) - 12/31/25

The City of Richland will begin construction on the Columbia Point Marina Shoreline Retaining Wall Repair Project starting January 5, 2026, following the holiday season. This project will require a temporary detour and impact a portion of the Riverfront Pathway Trail near Columbia Point Marina.

The project includes demolition of an existing, failed basalt column shoreline retaining wall and replacement with a new mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) precast concrete modular block wall. Additional work includes installation of wall drains, backfill, handrailing, traffic control measures, and restoration of asphalt and concrete pavement surfaces.

Construction is expected to last approximately eight weeks, weather permitting.

Pathway Impacts and Detours

During construction, sections of the Riverfront Pathway will be impacted, and a signed detour will be in place to safely route pedestrians and cyclists around the work area. A map showing the project location and detour route is available for public reference.

To accommodate winter conditions, the contractor will place cold mix asphalt as a temporary surface during construction. Hot mix asphalt will be installed in the spring to complete the pathway restoration.

Project Purpose

This project addresses shoreline stabilization needs and improves long-term safety and durability along the marina waterfront, helping preserve this popular recreational area for future use.

The project has already been awarded to a contractor, and work is anticipated to begin as scheduled on January 5, 2026.

The City of Richland appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during construction and encourages residents to plan ahead when using the Riverfront Pathway this winter.

For more information about this project and other City construction updates, visit www.richlandwa.gov/projects.

City Of Richland Facilities Closed For New Year’s Holiday - 12/30/25

The City of Richland announces that all City facilities will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in observance of the New Year’s holiday. This includes Richland City Hall, the Richland Community Center, the Richland Public Library and the Horn Rapids Landfill.

In addition, the following facilities will observe early closures on New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31:

• Richland Community Center will close at 5:00 p.m.
• Richland Public Library will close at 5:00 p.m.

Garbage collection will continue on its normal schedule, and emergency services will continue to operate without interruption during the holiday.

Normal operating hours for all City facilities will resume on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for City services during the holiday closure. Online services and information remain available at www.richlandwa.gov.

For more information, please contact the City of Richland at 509-942-7390 or visit the City’s website.